"Well, now what do I do with this? I guess he'll just hangout for a bit in case he is needed. Shall we try again?"
"Yes, lets see how we do with the other pillars."
As someone picks a new pillar Verdan uses his Magical Wand of Lesser Vigor on Morgrym. (1 Hp cured per round for 11 rounds)
"Let's wait a little for some healing. That thing hit really hard!"
Morrow hands Verdan his own wand for healing.
"I would agree with that though my friend here will be gone. Once everyone is ready speak up and we will try this again." Nebuzaradan says. He then considers the best way to go about this and thinks back on what he has heard as to whether or not it would be prudent to start from where they left off or to start over.
K: Arcana +21, History +16, Spellcraft +18
So in this round I'm seeing Verdan using the Wand of Lesser Vigor (he has his own and Morrow's, but only Verdan can use it) on Morgrym. Neb notes that the chamber appears to be in exactly the same state it was when they entered, but nothing beyond that.
Anyone else taking an action this round? Note that the Lesser Vigor spell does not stack, so you'll have to wait 11 rounds to cast it again. Not sure if that has an affect on your healing plans, but let me know if it does.
Nebuzaradan waits about a minute for the healing to run its course and then tries touching the green column again.
Round: ---- Action
1: Use wand of lesser vigor on Morrow
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:
7:
8:
9:
10:
That should bring both up to full.
Sunday, 2nd day of Planting, 594 C.Y.
Weather outside the Wizard’s Guild is unknown.
Current time is estimated to be a few hours after sunrise.
-------------------------------------------------
Verdan uses his wands to fully heal the two badly wounded fighters, though after a full minute or so passes during that time, Neb’s summoned dire wolf disappears in a blink.
Ready to continue on, Neb glances at the others and nods, then touches the green glowing pillar – figuring to pick up where they left off. But instead of a question, the animated face twists in rage and bellows “NO!!” as the pillar seems to explode with light!
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk
----------------------------------------------
PC Health & Notes
Morgrym 68/68
Morrow 68/68 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes)]
Reonnyn 59/59 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation)]
Verdan 54/54 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes; Iron Silence (no AC penalty to Hide/Move Silently checks) for 9 hours]
Nebuzaradan 46/46 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes; Greater Mage Armor (+6 armor bonus to AC) for 9 hours; Overland Flight (as Fly, with 40' speed and average maneuverability) for 9 hours]
Morrow is definitely surprised by the yell. How do students ever pass this!?! "I'm guessing that means start over or get out!"
Reonnyn shudders briefly as the pillar emits the light blinding him briefly. "I think Morrow is right! Let's start over here."
Neb backs away from the adamant pillar, "Okay then. Touchy. Back to the beginning it is." He then walks back to the red pillar and places his hand on it. (assuming I have a hand to use)
Sunday, 2nd day of Planting, 594 C.Y.
Weather outside the Wizard’s Guild is unknown.
Current time is estimated to be a few hours after sunrise.
-------------------------------------------------
Flashes of light and an incessant ringing in his ears are the only after-effects that Neb suffers – not much worse than what the others feel. The dwarven wizard figures it could have been much worse…
Moving back to the glowing red pillar, Neb touches it and the face asks another question, this one relevant to both the arcane and religion – the dwarven wizard answering the question with no problem as it is relatively basic for a well-learned spellcaster such as himself. The orange pillar proves the same, this one a question focusing on the arcane.
The yellow pillar asks a question that is a bit tougher… [Knowledge (Arcana) roll, please.]
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk
----------------------------------------------
PC Health & Notes
Morgrym 68/68
Morrow 68/68 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes)]
Reonnyn 59/59 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation)]
Verdan 54/54 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes; Iron Silence (no AC penalty to Hide/Move Silently checks) for 9 hours]
Nebuzaradan 46/46 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes; Greater Mage Armor (+6 armor bonus to AC) for 9 hours; Overland Flight (as Fly, with 40' speed and average maneuverability) for 9 hours]
Flibertygibbits
At first Neb is flummoxed by the question, but the dwarf works at it for a few long moments and recalls the correct answer - which is confirmed as the yellow glow of the pillar fades away. Touching the green pillar once more brings another question, this one related to history long past...
"Who was the ancient Suel Empire's famed Last Mage of Power?"
Neb answers confidently pretty sure he knows the answer.
"That sounds about right Neb."
Neb answers this one easily as the famed (at least in near-forgotten historical records) as Slerotin. Verdan would have guessed Tenser...
Now the blue pillar glows at the dwarven wizard's touch, and the question is asked: "Oerth is but one of five parallel worlds found on the Material Plane. Name the other four."
Again, Nebuzaradan is quite certain he knows the answer and he speaks it confidently.
"Neb was one of them a place called Earth?
Morrow is a bit bewildered, and impressed by the knowledge of the dwarf. While he thinks that he knows the answer for this one he keeps his mouth shut, just in case....
Reonnyn gives a thumbs-up gesture to Neb, encouraging him to proceed.
Morrow thinks to himself 'I knew that...' as Neb speaks aloud the four parallel worlds - Yarth, Aerth, Uerth and Earth. The dwarven wizard explains to Verdan that, of the five worlds, Oerth is strong in magic while it is non-existent on Earth - though little is truly known about them, since magic even on the other three worlds is chancy at best and exploration is quite dangerous. Though many have made the attempt, it is usually a one-way journey...
Now finally touching the glowing indigo pillar, the face speaks its question, a quite complicated query regarding the dynamics of spellcasting involving the manipulation of energies of each of the major schools of magic.
Verdan just scratches his head and keeps his mouth shut, being lost on the arcane magic. He thinks to himself that it is much easier to let your god bless you with such power, if you have been deemed worthy.
Reonnyn offers a cocky grin as he answers the pillar here: "Zagig."
Nebuzaradan nods to Reonnyn but stays silent lest he confuse the pillar.
Sunday, 2nd day of Planting, 594 C.Y.
Weather outside the Wizard’s Guild is unknown.
Current time is estimated to be a few hours after sunrise.
-------------------------------------------------
The heroes hold their breath, half anticipating a violent response to the obviously incorrect answer – despite what they read in The Yragerne Accord of 393 tome. However, the face on the indigo column grins widely and speaks a single word. “Welcome.” and then its mouth opens improbably wide, like the unhinged jaws of a constrictor snake swallowing its prey – an uncomfortable thought, considering the circumstances...
A hollow shaft can be seen within the column, and the opening is large enough that even the tallest members of the party must only duck their heads a bit to move through the gap. Inside, a ladder can be glimpsed using the ambient light of the indigo glow in the room – though Reonnyn can see clearly that the ladder rises upward about 15 feet or so into a chamber right above this one. Though he cannot see any further details from his current position, the halfling does believe there is some natural-looking light in the room - perhaps from a window? It’s hard to be certain…
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk
----------------------------------------------
PC Health & Notes
Morgrym 68/68
Morrow 68/68 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes)]
Reonnyn 59/59 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation)]
Verdan 54/54 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes; Iron Silence (no AC penalty to Hide/Move Silently checks) for 9 hours]
Nebuzaradan 46/46 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes; Greater Mage Armor (+6 armor bonus to AC) for 9 hours; Overland Flight (as Fly, with 40' speed and average maneuverability) for 9 hours]
Nebuzaradan steps back and gestures for the trap finders and stealthy sort to precede him. He then floats (overland flight) after them.
Verdan brings forth his magic torch to see better. And waits for the all clear before moving into the shaft.
Reonnyn takes the lead here as he allows his unnatural vision to take hold, scanning the ladder and shaft for any dangers.
Sunday, 2nd day of Planting, 594 C.Y.
Weather outside the Wizard’s Guild is unknown.
Current time is estimated to be a few hours after sunrise.
-------------------------------------------------
Reonnyn slips into the vertical shaft, nimbly climbing the ladder after determining that there are no apparent traps or other dangers. Verdan follows after, then Morrow and Morgrym, with Neb – floating serenely though the air – bringing up the rear. The ladder terminates in the southeast corner of a large chamber, and one by one the adventurers emerge to stand together as they survey the room.
Zagig’s study – for surely this is the place – has a freestanding bookshelf dominating the center of the chamber, stretching nearly to the ceiling like a massive pillar. Immediately to one side of the bookcase (south) sits a large padded leather couch and in each of the opposite corners (southwest and northeast) are decorative cabinets. Massive windows are set into each of the four walls, revealing the skyline of the City of Greyhawk in impressive fashion – though the view cannot be seen beyond the massive bookcase, which entirely blocks the opposite side of the room. Hundreds upon hundreds of books and scrolls are stuffed into the shelves of the huge bookcase in haphazard fashion.
Besides the ambient light from the windows that are hidden from view on the far side of the chamber, flickering candlelight is also glimpsed…
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk
----------------------------------------------
PC Health & Notes
Morgrym 68/68
Morrow 68/68 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes)]
Reonnyn 59/59 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation)]
Verdan 54/54 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes; Iron Silence (no AC penalty to Hide/Move Silently checks) for 9 hours]
Nebuzaradan 46/46 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes; Greater Mage Armor (+6 armor bonus to AC) for 9 hours; Overland Flight (as Fly, with 40' speed and average maneuverability) for 9 hours]
Morrow considers Reonnyn's answer.
Keeping quiet lest speaking up would cause the tunnel to collapse on everyone he decides to ask later. He does wonder why the name worked though....
Entering into what appears to be Zagyg's study Morrow looks around at the treasures that he dares not touch. But, with the flickering candlelight from the far side of the room, he does move forward, side stepping once he gets past the couch.
"I wouldn't touch anything here guys...only what we came here to retrieve." Reonny glances nervously about him as he edges his way around the bookcase peering at the source of the candlelight...
Sunday, 2nd day of Planting, 594 C.Y.
Weather outside the Wizard’s Guild is unknown.
Current time is estimated to be a few hours after sunrise.
-------------------------------------------------
Reonnyn and Morrow move around the bookshelf, finding the west wall of the room dominated by a table crowded with alchemical equipment and empty beakers and vials – a large window above the table has an amazing view of the mountains to the west. A desk against the northwest wall supports piles of paper – a bronze statue of a squatting monkey acts as a paper weight.
In front of the table is a tall-backed chair, where a figure is sitting, only the back of his bald head is visible above the seat. Floating near the ceiling between the desk and the table is a familiar creature – the strange floating orb of bluish hue, its eyestalks waving around almost at random. Instead of a book, a rather large cup hovers before it, dark liquid drizzling from the container into its immense mouth lined with dagger-like teeth. It catches sight of the pair moving around the bookcase and speaks, some of the drink dribbling down the corners of its mouth and pooling on the floor beneath. “Hey boss. They’re here. Maybe they’re not as dumb as they look.”
The man in the chair sighs and glances over his shoulder at the creature. “You’re leaking coffee all over my floor again. How do you manage to miss that giant mouth of yours?” The floating monster almost seems to shrug somehow (though it has no shoulders) and retorts. “Hey, you try drinking out of a cup with a maw that’s meant to eat adventurers. It’s not easy. Uh… can I? Eat them?”
The man in the chair suddenly swivels around, revealing a middle-aged bald human male with a black well-trimmed beard streaked with silver. He wears a stylish outfit of blue and white silk with a light grey cape. In his gloved left hand he holds an open book as he answers the creature. "No. Not yet, at any rate.” Rising from his seat, he meets the eyes of his visitors and speaks directly to them. “Welcome to Zagig’s study,” He says. “I am Mordenkainen. Have your friends on the other side of that bookshelf join us and tell me exactly what you are doing on this sacred ground?”
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk
----------------------------------------------
PC Health & Notes
Morgrym 68/68
Morrow 68/68 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes)]
Reonnyn 59/59 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation)]
Verdan 54/54 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes; Iron Silence (no AC penalty to Hide/Move Silently checks) for 9 hours]
Nebuzaradan 46/46 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 8 minutes; Greater Mage Armor (+6 armor bonus to AC) for 9 hours; Overland Flight (as Fly, with 40' speed and average maneuverability) for 9 hours]
Reonnyn's eyes widen in shock as the man introduced himself as the legendary mage of Greyhawk. A look of understanding flashes over his face as he recognized the demonic eyeball floating next to him. "Greetings Master Mage. It is not our intention to plunder the contents of this study. We are here to...retrieve just a pair of items, one for our employer and one for us to...use later." He replies courteously as he waves his companions into view.
Nebuzaradan floats around the bookshelf his eyes opening wide in surprise.
Morrow looks at the wizard, and the beholder, and hears the greeting. He mouths the name, "Mordenkainen?" and steps out of the way to the corner.
Verdan walks in shocked to see the others. He closes his eyes and says a prayer to Pelor thanking him for this time alive. He then bows to a master of magic and the leader of the Circle of Eight. Then waits for his body to be dissolved or vaporized at any moment.
Mordenkainen raises an eyebrow as Reonnyn speaks, his visage stern. "Indeed? Only two items? You have persevered to find Zagig's legendary study and you aren't here to pilfer anything not nailed down? That would be a first. What are these items you have risked your precious lives to find? I would very much like to hear the story."
Reonnyn's eyes gleamed at the perceived insult. "Master Mage, we are not common thieves merely looking for the quickest profit! Our methods are indeed mercenary yet we also have morals we follow as well!" Calming down slightly he gauges whether the truth is warranted here...before shrugging. "Okay Mordenkainen...We seek the artifact known as Zagyg's Key, and also a brass statue of a monkey for our current employers. I am sure you already know the significance of this, but I will say the one who bars us from the ruins of Castle Greyhawk desires it, thus we do as well." He then waits the mage's reply.
Morkenkainen is no fool...he probably knows more of our mission that we do!
Sunday, 2nd day of Planting, 594 C.Y.
Weather outside the Wizard’s Guild is unknown.
Current time is estimated to be a few hours after sunrise.
-------------------------------------------------
Mordenkainen smiles slightly at Reonnyn's honeyed words. “Perceptive. And well-spoken. Very well, let us all be at ease here. You are correct, I knew you were coming. I have ears and eyes throughout Greyhawk, which is, I am sure, of no surprise.”
Reaching down, the archmage opens a drawer in the desk and withdraws an obsidian key with a pyramid carved in the top, then sets it on the table in front of him. “Zagig’s Key. And yes, it is the same that the old fool calling himself ‘Grandfather Magic’ is so keen to possess. Though what he plans to do with it, I can’t imagine. The statuette that Tirra is interested in acquiring sits over there,” he gestures negligently toward the table in the corner, where the brass monkey squats atop a pile of papers.
“You can also take a look at the bookcase there and see if anything else strikes your fancy before you take your leave of this place. But don’t mistake this for charity. No. I have a… quest for you. That’s what any band of adventurers worthy of the name is always seeking, yes? If you undertake this quest, the items are yours. But first, tell me. What do you know of the good Captain Gallancz? I believe you have made his acquaintance at the Green Dragon?”
Ruins of Castle Greyhawk (Overview)
Map History of the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk
----------------------------------------------
PC Health & Notes
Morgrym 68/68
Morrow 68/68 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 5 minutes)]
Reonnyn 59/59 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 5 minutes; +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, ability checks and skill checks (Luck Stone); +6 to Bluff, Diplomacy & Intimidate checks (Invocation)]
Verdan 54/54 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 5 minutes; Iron Silence (no AC penalty to Hide/Move Silently checks) for 9 hours]
Nebuzaradan 46/46 [Blessed (+1 to attack rolls/saves vs fear) for 5 minutes; Greater Mage Armor (+6 armor bonus to AC) for 9 hours; Overland Flight (as Fly, with 40' speed and average maneuverability) for 9 hours]
Not having met this Gallancz, Nebuzaradan stays quiet and listens.
In a loud stage whisper, the floating orb of eyestalks speaks an aside to the archwizard. "Psst. Hey Boss, you think they're struck speechless bein' in the presence of the Great Mordenkeinen? Maybe if I disintegrate one of 'em and take a bite of another they'll wake up? Just a little nibble, a bit off the flank..."
Mordenkeinen shakes his head slightly, a long-suffering look flashing across his face as he raises a hand to halt the creature's train of thought.
Reonnyn shoots an alarmed glance at the beholder before turning his attention to Mordenkainen again, "Yes we have met Captain Gallanz...or so that is what he calls himself. We do not know who he is actually, yet we suspect his true identity...Lord Robilar." He eyes the mage closely to see how he reacts, before adding "We have talked with one whose reputation is unmatched who also believes this. Sadly we have not proved this to be the case...yet."
Morrow keeps his attention focused on the eye tyrant, worried that it might in fact turn its magical might on someone.
Hearing the conversation almost as an aside he mutters, "A very good disguise on that one. He seems to have fooled several that are friends from years ago. Not sure how we could see through...."
He glances over to the brass statue and frowns. "Did Tirra say brass, or bronze? My memory.... Well, she is quite the looker!"